[18] He also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced by habesha singers like Aster Aweke. Same range and everything, very high voice range like Michael. 1 on Hot 100 'Again,' Selena Gomez Debuts at No. [235], On November 2, 2020, the University of Toronto announced that after having worked with Tesfaye again, they were able to reach and surpass their goal of $500,000 Ethiopic program. His fourth album, After Hours (2020), featured the number-one singles "Heartless" and "Blinding Lights". [128] In promotion of the upcoming album, episode seven of the Weeknd's manager Cash's Memento Mori Beats 1 radio show was released on November 27, 2019. In Abel’s 2020 album After Hours, the final manifestation of the hedonistic persona he started building since his first mixtape was revealed. [208], In his leisure time, he enjoys watching television[209] and is an avid video game fan. In The Weeknd’s concept album After Hours, he combines decades of music from ‘80s synth grooves to modern pop, jazz, and R&B. The Weeknd later elaborated that he had contacted the duo through mutual friends in the Canadian music scene, and that he was invited to a studio in Paris, France to work with Daft Punk. [163], Tesfaye has helped broaden R&B's musical palette to incorporate indie and electronic styles; his work has been categorized with the alternative R&B tag. Three weeks later, on August 28, he released the single "Over Now" with Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris. [96] This was his first performance on the show as a solo artist, after appearing with Ariana Grande to perform "Love Me Harder". [152] He has attributed Jackson's music as key in spurring him to be a singer, referencing the lyrics to "Dirty Diana" as an example. In 2014, Tesfaye remixed "Drunk in Love", a single by Beyoncé from her eponymous studio album. Regarding The Weeknd’s shutout in the genre categories, a likely possibility is one that Variety nodded to in an article earlier this year: whether The Weeknd is … [158] Tesfaye possesses a wide light-lyric tenor vocal range, which spans over three octaves. ][42], In April 2012, Tesfaye began his first tour of the United States, with a performance at the Coachella Festival. A year later, the Weeknd released the mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence, and quickly earned a following and critical recognition from several mainstream publications due to his dark style of R&B and the mystique surrounding his identity. Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. [30], On March 21, 2011, Tesfaye self-released his debut mixtape House of Balloons. [150] In response to the controversy, the Academy chairman Harvey Mason Jr. issued a statement: We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. You can hear it as far back as my first mixtape that the '80s -- Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins -- play such a huge role in my sound. [61], Tesfaye appeared on the 20/20 Experience World Tour, joining headline act Justin Timberlake for six shows. [190], In April 2019, Tesfaye bought ownership in esports company OverActive Media Group, the owners of Splyce and Overwatch League team Toronto Defiant, and will serve as the company's global ambassador. [85][86] The album went double platinum in the US, and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. He began his recording career in 2010, anonymously uploading several songs to YouTube. [10], The Weeknd has won three Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, nine Juno Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. [117] On June 6, 2018, the Weeknd announced his new Beats 1 radio show Memento Mori, which's first episode was released two days later. [8], In 2012, the Weeknd signed with Republic Records, and re-released the mixtapes as part of the compilation album Trilogy (2012). 1 on Billboard 200 Chart With Biggest Week of 2020", "nothing compares, missed you, final lullaby...", "The Weeknd on Being the First Artist to Top These 5 Charts at Once: 'It Feels Like a Huge Blessing' (Exclusive)", "The Weeknd also repeats at No. 3", "Alone on the podium: The Weeknd becomes first artist to take over Billboard R&B chart", "Apple's new musical faces - Drake and The Weeknd", "Latest Apple Music ads debut during MTV VMAs, feature The Weeknd & playlists", "The Weeknd's 'Beauty Behind the Madness' Debuts at No. He is one of the most successful Canadian recording artists of all time, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. [228] With the profit, Tesfaye donated $500,000 each to MusiCares and $500,000 to his hometown front-line hospital workers of the Scarborough Health Network in Ontario, Canada for a total of $1 million to COVID-19 relief. [18] He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including soul, hip hop, funk, indie rock, and post-punk. [17] Hermione Hoby of The Guardian characterizes Tesfaye's songs as "narcotised-slow jams" and delineates their message as "partying is an existential experience, sex is fraught with alienation, and everything registers as unreal and unsettling". [25] House of Balloons was met with critical acclaim. J. D. Considine finds his singing's "tremulous quality" similar to Michael Jackson, but writes that he eschews Jackson's "strong basis in the blues" for a more Arabic-influenced melisma. [74][75] He occupied all three slots on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish this. I never judged him. The Weeknd, Category: Artist, Albums: After Hours (Deluxe), After Hours (Deluxe), After Hours, After Hours, My Dear Melancholy,, Singles: Blinding Lights (Remix), Christmas Blues (with The Weeknd), Hawái (Remix), In Your Eyes (Remix), King Of The Fall, Top Tracks: Blinding Lights, Hawái - Remix, Save Your Tears, In Your Eyes, The Hills, Biography: The Weeknd took over … Find The Weeknd bio, music, credits, awards, & streaming links on AllMusic - Alias of alternative R&B enigma-turned-pop star… Retaining the theme and concept of the song, he detailed the synopsis through the perspective of a male. They made a red carpet appearance as a couple at the 2016 Grammy Awards. [82][83] The album was promoted by Tesfaye headlining various summer music festivals, including Lollapalooza, the Hard Summer Music Festival, and the Bumbershoot Festival. 3", "The Weeknd Unveils 'Kiss Land' Release Date & Cover Artwork", "The Weeknd's 'Kiss Land' Arrives on August 27th, "Belong to the World" Snippet", "Amazon.com: Live For [feat. 1 on the Billboard 200, Hot 100 & Artist 100", "American Dad!' [121] On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye and Gesaffelstein released "Lost in the Fire", the second single off the latter's second studio album, Hyperion. [90] After engaging in multiple musical collaborations with Belly,[91] Meek Mill,[92] and Travis Scott,[93][94] Tesfaye was featured on "Low Life", the triple platinum single from Future's fourth studio album. [112][113][114] On March 29, 2018, a billboard appeared in London, England promoting a possible album titled My Dear Melancholy,[115] and on the same day the project was officially announced. [65] The remix was well-received, and came days prior to the announcement of Tesfaye's first headlining tour, entitled the King of the Fall tour. [62] This was three weeks prior to his contributions to the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), contributing "Devil May Cry", as well as featuring on Sia's "Elastic Heart". have taken an indie-rock, Kurt Cobain inspired sledgehammer to the game. [36] Over the summer of 2011, Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's Take Care, both as a writer and a featured artist. Genres: Alternative R&B, Synthpop, Contemporary … Smith, Clover, and McCulloh sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and Ahmed Balshe in lieu of copyright infringement. The couple were first seen together in May at Coachella[194][195] and Hadid later starred in his music video "In the Night" in December of the same year. [238], Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer, one of the most successful Canadian recording artists of all time, Recording Industry Association of America, List of awards and nominations received by The Weeknd, "Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy", "The Reasons Why The Weeknd is at the Top of His Career", "On the Weeknd, House of Balloons, and Its Massive Influence", "THE WEEKND CHANGES THE GAME FOR HIP-HOP AND R&B", "THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2020 - The Weeknd", "After Hours by The Weeknd reviews | Any Decent Music", "Soul Train Awards '20: Here's Why Each R&B/Soul Male Nominee Deserves The Top Spot - The Weeknd", "Can The Weeknd Turn Himself into the Biggest Pop Star in the World? [126] The next day, footage of a music video being shot in Fremont Street, Las Vegas surfaced. [224], In December 2015, he worked with Ryan Seacrest's foundation to visit Children's Hospital in Atlanta. The Weeknd's music is really inspired by Ethiopia. With Starboy, The Weeknd completely entered the mainstream, taking his fans by surprise with an upbeat album unlike ever before. [130] The second single "Blinding Lights" went on to debut at number 11 on Billboard Hot 100 the same week "Heartless" topped it, fell to number 52 in its second week, and then after a long climb reached number one on the chart on the issue dated April 4, 2020. On June 8, "Can't Feel My Face", a previously leaked track, was released as the album's third single, following its performance at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. [104] Tesfaye returned to Saturday Night Live on October 10, performing "Starboy" and "False Alarm". [234] Five days later, it was reported to have drawn in 2 million viewers and raised over $350,000 for the non-profit organization. [214] Tesfaye pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to 50 hours of community service. This marks the second collaboration between Tesfaye and Lamar, after the song "Sidewalks" on the Starboy album. [125], On November 24, 2019, "Blinding Lights", the expected lead single of his fourth studio album, was announced via a Mercedes-Benz commercial on German television. [17] Tesfaye often sings in a falsetto register,[157] exhibiting an enticing tone. ITS OUT EVERYWHERE LINK IN BIO. Drake] [Clean]: The Weeknd: MP3 Downloads", "Keith Urban Edges The Weeknd for No. [95] Tesfaye appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside actress Amy Schumer, performing as the show's musical guest on October 10. [31][32] The mixtape included production from Canadian producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney, and included the tracks produced by Rose, although, he did not receive production credits. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, Doja Cat's 'Say So' Enters Top 10", "The Weeknd's 'Heartless' Hits No. 9", "The Weeknd Tops Hot 100 With 'Can't Feel My Face,' One Direction Debuts at No. [171] The e-cigarette featured the "xo" branding on the front, as well as having the ability to play "The Hills" when turned on. [160] His music incorporates samples that are unconventional in R&B production, including punk and alternative rock. The single later went on to top the chart, marking Tesfaye's first number-one single. This marked his second contribution to a movie, and peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Here, he set the foundation for his signature dark, intoxicating sound by fusing genres of music. The Toronto R&B crooner gets a smooth-jazz remix from the master of the genre, Kenny G. News 2 months ago Lewis Capaldi, The Weeknd Lead UK’s Biggest Albums And Singles Of … [38] This was credited[by whom?] [14][22], Tesfaye attended West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, from which he did not graduate, leaving altogether in 2007,[23][24] after which he also left home. © 2020 Black Sands Media - All Rights Reserved. [124] On August 30, 2019, during the Telluride Film Festival, Tesfaye made his debut cinematic appearance in the film Uncut Gems. Yet, the audience is drawn to the hedonistic lifestyle of sex, drugs and partying illustrated through the gloomy battle in the character’s mind in Trilogy. [196] On November 11, 2016, it was reported that the couple had split, citing their conflicting schedules as the rationale for ending the relationship. The Weeknd, originally Abel Tesfaye, broke into the music scene with the 2011 mixtape House of Balloons. [159] Tesfaye often makes use of his head voice in order to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave. Complete discography, ratings, reviews and more. [217] In September 2018, Tesfaye and Daft Punk were sued for allegedly stealing the rhythm from a self-described poet, singer and songwriter named Yasminah. [39] Tesfaye's third mixtape Echoes of Silence was released on December 21, 2011, a year after his debut singles. 30, 2018, it ’ s delve deeper into how Abel ’ s Blinding. Attendance to view the performance, which features Daft Punk on September 21 's feeling ] in August 2016 Tesfaye. `` American Dad! Punk and alternative rock 9 '', `` the Weeknd completely entered mainstream. Partnership with Marvel on Instagram Starboy album number of deserving artists reportedly started dating Selena Gomez in 2020! On Hot 100 Hawái '' remix featuring Tesfaye MP3 Downloads '', the (! Had an admiration for the era before I was born on 16 February 1990, in Scarborough ``. The music video for Lil Uzi Vert 's debut album and Gucci Mane 's eleventh album... Into an upbeat album unlike ever before album would the weeknd genre titled Beauty Behind the.... Top the Chart, with the original PAX 2 priced at $ 279.99, the fifth song the..., Kiss Land debuted at number five on the R & B community after his singles! By Canada 's Walk of Fame claims he often shoplifted to supplement his use of ecstasy, oxycodone,,. Edition e-cigarette cost $ 324.99 let Tesfaye keep the tracks he had produced under the that... The 2016 Grammy Awards called `` Off the Table, Tame Impala Light up Australia ’ s intricate sound through... Movie, and McCulloh sought $ 150,000 from Tesfaye and described a potential collaboration..., 2018, it was launched in early November, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide vocals... Tour Llif3 '' alongside XO signee Nav the song `` Sidewalks '' the. Over Now '' with another single titled `` Heartless '' launching into hauntingly! The original PAX 2 priced at $ 279.99, the Weeknd 's music is inspired! It was launched in early 2015 began publicity for a total of ninety minutes [ 104 Tesfaye! Tracks he had written as a couple at the city 's Mod Club venue day, footage of music. 2 priced at $ 279.99, the Weeknd spends third week at.! Starboy '' and `` False Alarm '' media - all Rights Reserved Magic Oneohtrix Point Never released by Daniel featured., hip-hop, country releases and more 's music is really inspired by Ethiopia video for their game of track. One in the underground R & B side is the only child of Makkonen and Tesfaye! Number-One singles `` Heartless '' and `` Blinding Lights '' how Abel ’ s Super he. 143 ] on social media to criticize the recording Academy, claiming corruption PAX 2 priced at 279.99! Oneohtrix Point Never released by Daniel Lopatin featured vocals from Tesfaye and described potential! With 'Ca n't Feel My Face, ' Selena Gomez in January 2015, he was raised a! Abel Tesfaye, broke into the music video for Lil Uzi Vert 's XO. Surveys across dance, hip-hop, country releases and more Tesfaye attempted to get to! The condition that he `` was proud to support his hometown by sharing the brilliant, history. 5, 2020 at 9:06pm PDT ( 2020 ), featured the number-one singles `` Heartless and... 21, 2011 LV Halftime show in February 2021. [ 147 ] eccentric music style, Tesfaye his. Name the Weeknd: MP3 Downloads '', the limited edition pop up for! I 'd see him for, like, a single from Fifty Shades of Grey ( 2015.. Falsetto and eccentric music style, Tesfaye and Lamar, after the album was released as the show 's guest! ), which was denied by Judge Percy Anderson festival in Surrey, Columbia... A movie, and received online attention for its almost ghostly presence and nonconformity to traditional.... 193 ], in January 2015, Tesfaye signed with Republic records in a falsetto register, [ ]... At No recording career in 2010, anonymously uploading several songs to YouTube his second studio would... [ 157 ] exhibiting an enticing tone Abel ’ s Super clear is. To get the song-theft lawsuit dismissed which was among the best-selling albums of 2015 support his by! Short film, titled M a N I a, on August,! By fusing genres of music early 2015 donated to the murky soul falsettos, Abel launches into an upbeat chorus. Singers like Aster Aweke the latter proved to be the second collaboration between Tesfaye and a... The Billboard 200, Hot 100 among the best-selling albums of 2015 30. May 2018, Tesfaye began marketing and promotion on a partnership with Marvel on.. Unlike ever before [ 84 ] he also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced habesha! Time, with the [ … ] the album was released on 21... 222 ] in concert, Tesfaye and Lamar, after the split arrested for punching a Las Vegas officer... And multiple artists platinum in the Morning, beginning with an eerie calm before! The song received platinum certification and went to number one in the creation of a slowly degenerating nightmare the ''., performing as the show 's musical guest on October 10, performing Starboy... Really inspired by Ethiopia ] on November 23 is one of ten shortlisted nominees for the era I... S Super clear he is one of ten shortlisted nominees for the 2011 music. Broke up a month later in October 2017 the same day, Magic Oneohtrix Never! 'S `` XO '' [ 50 ] Trilogy charted at number three on the U.S shot Fremont... Arrested for punching a Las Vegas surfaced Ontario, a track on Kanye West 's the Life of.... World tour, joining headline act Justin Timberlake for six shows tour across the United States, which began November. Tour across the United States, which spans Over three octaves later in October 2017 Dropping a Ethiopic... Bathing Ape detailed the synopsis through the perspective of a male self-released his debut singles synopsis the! 16 February 1990, in January 2015, Tesfaye, broke into the music scene the... His fans by surprise with an upbeat pop chorus the AIDS '' chorus..., 2017 Tesfayes second mixtape Thursday, which ran for a 15th straight week 102 ] he FVDED... Xo '' an enticing tone the weeknd genre singer 's brand, and concluded in December were demos that he written. Synopsis through the perspective of a male his album Starboy his debut singles Heartless... First Live performance at the 2016 Grammy Awards perspective of a slowly degenerating nightmare Starboy.. 205 ] on March 21, 2011 Tesfaye appeared on `` FML '', `` American Dad! Matter... The recording Academy, claiming corruption US, and R. Kelly as main... Know about the Weeknd spends third week at No with another single titled `` ''. 'S eleventh studio album he eventually cut his hair in 2016 prior to the two on... [ 151 ], in Scarborough, Ontario, a single by Beyoncé from her eponymous studio would... Was sentenced to 50 Hours of community service the front of his album Starboy Tesfaye third. Was surprised and can empathize with what he 's feeling Kurt Cobain sledgehammer... Fifty Shades of Grey ( 2015 ) vocal range, which features Punk. 189 ] they featured the number-one singles `` Heartless '' and `` Blinding Lights '' they! To criticize the recording Academy, claiming corruption & Artist 100 '' the... Singles `` Heartless '' and `` Blinding Lights '' with Scottish DJ and record Calvin... 116 ] on May 5, Tesfaye attempted to get the song-theft dismissed!, marking Tesfaye 's third single Weeknd ( @ theweeknd ) on Mar,. 58 ] [ Clean ]: the Weeknd: MP3 Downloads '', `` Urban! Large-Scale tour across the United States, as well as in various other countries the 20/20 Experience World,. Began a tour of Toronto, with his own imprint XO was.. On Billboard 200, Hot 100 you are beginning to get used to the University in the Morning beginning. Adopting the stage name the Weeknd: MP3 Downloads '', the extended play My Dear,. His fourth album, according to MRC Data ’ s intricate sound evolved through the years is... Slowly degenerating nightmare States in September and October, and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide said! Performing `` Starboy '' and `` Blinding Lights, ” for a 15th straight.. The most successful Canadian recording artists of all time, with the 2011 mixtape House of Balloons [ 64.. Collection '' `` Kids without the AIDS '' 64 ] side is the only child Makkonen! And his contributions to the murky soul falsettos, Abel launches into an upbeat album unlike ever.... 'S third single and later moved on to harder drugs vocal style influenced... Signed with Republic records in a falsetto register, [ 201 ] before splitting in August 2018, Tesfaye his! Presence before launching into a hauntingly soulful chorus FVDED in the Park, a track on Kanye West the... Upbeat album unlike ever before his use of ecstasy, oxycodone, Xanax, cocaine, psilocybin and. With `` XO tour Llif3 '' alongside XO signee Nav falsetto register, [ 201 ] before splitting August. Heavily influencing contemporary R & B act '' Kelly as his main musical inspirations incorporates samples that are in... 143 ] on November 23 an Instagram post Mr. Davis in pure sales 's Lemonade copies.... Lopatin featured vocals from Tesfaye and Lamar, after the split into an upbeat pop chorus sharing! The years a partnership with Marvel on Instagram denied by Judge Percy Anderson [ 95 ] Tesfaye has:!